In the heart of Paisley, where history seeps through the very stones of the town’s architecture, Catherine Watt has made it her mission to preserve and celebrate the rich heritage of her hometown. A passionate advocate for historical preservation, Catherine founded the Facebook group Behind Close Doors: Paisley’s Forgotten Tenement Tiles and Architecture to document and share the often-overlooked architectural features that define the town. In this interview, Catherine shares her deep connection to Paisley’s past, her ongoing efforts to raise awareness, and her plans for the future.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you became interested in Paisley's history?
I’m a Paisley Buddy, born and raised in the west end of the town. My connection to Paisley’s history is deeply personal. My parents worked in the mills and at Brown and Polson's, and my gran and aunties also spent their lives in the mills. As I delved into my family history, I discovered that many of my ancestors on my dad’s side had migrated from Ireland to work in the mills in Johnstone and Paisley. My mum’s family had a similar story, moving to Glasgow in search of work. It’s a story familiar to many ordinary folk in the area.
This connection to the town through my ancestors gave me a strong sense of belonging. Seeing the buildings they would have walked past every day, knowing they helped build the town’s success, made me feel grounded in Paisley. Even after living in Glasgow, Paisley always felt like home – as the saying goes, “there’s nowhere like home.”
What organisation are you attached to, and what is its primary mission or focus regarding Paisley's history?
By day, I manage an adult learning project at a college in Glasgow, working with people dealing with trauma-related issues such as complex PTSD, bipolar disorders, depression, anxiety, addiction, homelessness, and even those who have been in prison. To unwind from my demanding job, I started photographing the architecture in Paisley, particularly focusing on tenement tiles since I live in a tenement flat myself.
I’ve always been fascinated by the Victorians’ dedication to craftsmanship, even in ordinary buildings. The decorative ceramic tiles, wrought-iron work, stained glass, mosaics, and other features weren’t just for function – they were designed to enhance people’s lives with beauty. To share my passion and encourage others to appreciate and document these features, I set up a Facebook group and Instagram account. My goal is to raise awareness about the town’s architectural heritage, much of which is at risk due to neglect and mismanagement.
What are some of the most significant historical events or figures in Paisley's history that you believe everyone should know about?
Paisley has produced some prominent architects that many people don’t know much about, and I believe that needs to change. Architects like W.D. McLennan, T.G. Abercrombie, John Hutchison, and James Steel Maitland are highly regarded, but the craftspeople and artisans who created the town’s beautiful features deserve recognition too. These artisans are often overlooked, and their work is the first to be lost when buildings are refurbished or repurposed. It’s a tragedy because these features were created by people whose names are largely unknown. I’d like to see more attention given to these ‘little guys’ who contributed so much to our built heritage.
How do you see the role of historical preservation and education in the community of Paisley?
Education is critical to preserving our town’s heritage. There are many online groups where people share pictures and research, and it’s encouraging to see how many people engage with this content. However, I feel that the council often overlooks what matters to the people of the town. They have the power to hold property owners accountable for preserving historical sites, but they rarely seem to use it, and the townsfolk are left watching as their built heritage disintegrates.
The problem is further compounded by the involvement of quangos – quasi-autonomous non-governmental organisations – that are removed from the council and consist of unelected officials who don’t answer to the townsfolk. This disconnect makes it difficult to preserve our history effectively, which is frustrating.
What are some lesser-known or surprising facts about Paisley’s history that you think people would find interesting?
It’s easy to forget that Paisley existed long before the Victorian era, as so much of our built heritage is from that time. I’m particularly interested in the medieval period, starting around 500 AD, and I’d love to see more focus on the story of our Patron Saint, Mirin, as well as the influence of figures like Columba and the Gaelic church.
I’m also curious about the Romans and their activities in the area, as well as the Viking Age, given our proximity to Govan and Dumbarton and their historic links with the Vikings and Britons. The Normans are another integral part of our history in Renfrewshire and Scotland as a whole. My main interest, though, lies in learning about the lives of ordinary people during these periods in history.
Can you describe a recent project or initiative your organisation has undertaken to promote Paisley's history?
I run a Facebook group called Behind Close Doors: Paisley’s Forgotten Tenement Tiles and Architecture. The group has been active for a few years and has attracted around 3,000 subscribers. Initially, I focused on Paisley’s tenement tiles and architectural features, but I encourage members to share photos from other villages, towns, and cities as well. This allows us to compare and appreciate the architectural heritage of different areas.
Through this group, we sometimes connect with other heritage groups and share photos and information. I also encourage photos from what was historically the County of Renfrew, which included East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde.
What challenges do you face in preserving and promoting local history, and how do you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges is that while many ordinary people in Paisley want to see our built heritage preserved and maintained, their wishes seem to overlooked by the council and private developers. Financial constraints might be a factor for the council, but private owners are letting our built heritage rot. There’s also the frequent occurrence of ‘mysterious fires’ in empty buildings, which often lead to the land being sold or replaced with unattractive flats.
The council has the authority to address these issues, but they don’t seem to enforce the law effectively. It would be really helpful if the council were more transparent about their decision-making processes regarding built heritage and clarified what they can and can't do to enforce the law. This transparency could alleviate some of the frustrations that people have and foster a better understanding between the community and the council. In the face of these challenges, what myself and other group members can do is document and record as much as possible before it’s gone. I would love to see a dedicated, well-organised database of photographs and documents related to our built heritage so that even if the buildings are lost, there will be a record of what once was.
How do you engage with the local community to raise awareness and interest in Paisley's historical heritage?
I engage with the community through the Facebook group and by sharing photos on other Paisley and Renfrewshire pages. I’m currently exploring the idea of making these photos available for purchase, as I’ve received inquiries about that before. It’s something I’m thinking about seriously.
What are your future plans or upcoming projects related to the history of Paisley? How can the community get involved?
I’m currently exploring creative ways to combine Paisley’s architectural features with our textile heritage. When I first started photographing these features, I was thinking specifically about using them as inspiration for artwork. However, I’m also very interested in traditional textile techniques, including spinning, weaving, knitting, crochet, and patchwork. I’m considering creating pieces that incorporate these elements and possibly running workshops to bring these ideas to life. I’ll keep the community posted as I develop these plans, and I’d love for people to get involved when the time comes.
To explore more about Paisley’s rich architectural history, join the Facebook group *
Behind Close Doors: Paisley’s Forgotten Tenement Tiles and Architecture https://www.facebook.com/share/g/vCv33v7MCctSKh9P/, where you can connect with like-minded individuals, share photos, and learn more about the town’s heritage.
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